Commissions and Complications

Thomas tells the group he needs a few days to find some prospects for them. As the group decide what to do. Ambryn decides to check on Minion again to see if he is doing better. Kainlan decides to go to Jack and see what he could find out about the arrowhead from the assassination on Ambryn. Thargrin decides he needs to go to the city, as he currently lacked the funds. Slick decides to stay on the ship to keep an eye on the captain.

After a few days, as the group is coming back to the ship from one of their many errands, they see a female dwarf standing near the ship. Ambryn recognizes the dwarf as the one she fought with in the bar. As she approaches the dwarf stands up and looks Ambryn up and down. 'You said you had work for me?' Ambryn nods, 'Yes you are a good fighter.' The others look on with distrust as is their nature, except Kainlan, who puts on his best charm as he introduces himself. 'Ingra.' says the dwarf with a slight nod then goes back to looking at Ambryn gauging the situation. Thomas appears on deck and beckons the adventurers to come with him. Seeing the dwarf, he raises an eyebrow and welcomes her along as well. Curiosity makes the dwarf follow the others on.

Without him, this group would be without a ship, Thomas thinks to himself. Well they are a good group for taking on dangerous assignments, and have been profitable for him, but they lack oversight and management. Thomas sighs as he sits down and pulls out a few pieces of paper, 'Rumors I found, as well as one commission  A dragon hunting an unknown island, talk of elven pirates hunting down merchant ships, black ship sailing around gateway, and a trading company asking for a mercenary group to help retrieve some goods from ruins nearby.' The group decide they would like to look in to the elven situation, Thomas gives the group all the papers with the information on them, and tells them he will take care of the ship while it is docked, and help find jobs for the crew.

The next day, the group heads out to find the location noted to find more information about the elves. As they approach, Slick sighs, for this is the same building he keeps finding himself coming to, at least this time he is with friends. As they reach to open the door, the old elf opens the door and is startled, he looks each of them quickly stopping for a sec and frowning at Thargrin, his frown getting deeper when he notices Slick. He composes himself and asks, 'What do you guys want?' his tone in obvious displeasure at the interuption. Kainlan mentions they are here about elven pirates, at which the old elfs demeanor changes. 'Go in the brothers will be wanting to talk to you.' As he wanders off he mumbles about no respect for elders and youth that are lost.

Back in the house, they can see lots of different symbols around the room. Ambryn notices there is power in each symbol, a different colored aura to each. Shortly an young elf walks in startled. 'Yes? My name is Jeche how may I help you today?' The group mentions the pirates, which puts a smile on Jeche's face as he beckons them to sit down. He proceeds to explain the situation, while glancing at Thargrin each time he mentions the pirates, as his inflection implies there is more than he is letting on. Thargrin sits forward, 'Speak plainly!' which cause Jeche to sit back in his char. 'No insult intended sir, but may I ask what is your buisness with the oakthorn?' Thargin replies that his business with them is done, gets up and walks out of the room. Jeches apologizes to the group, and hopes that no insult was intended, the others shrug it off as this was Thargrins way. The conversation turns more sober as Jeche concedes that the elven pirates are indeed renegade oakthorn, that pillage there ships and prevent supplies from getting back to the lands. Looking at Slick, Jeche smiles, 'We are trying to help the wildlings find there place in this world and would like to hire your group to take some weapons and food back to Heartland.' The group agrees, as they stand to leave, 'Never return if you plan to disappear and sell the cargo elsewhere.' Jeche tells them.

Back at the ship the group decide to prepare for departure, they find dock workers are quickly loading the cargo on to the ship. Kainlan decides to stay with the ship and rest for the rest of the day, Ambryn decides to go check on Minion, and Thargrin, angered at the morning encounter decides to walk the city. Ingra and Slick decide to follow him closely.

Thargin makes his way in to the worn down parts of the city, quickly turning down smaller alleyways, Slick and Ingra have to get closer to keep up. Down one of the alleys, they see a group of 4 ragged men, holding down a 5th man dressed in cleaner garb. Thargrin without hesitation launches himself at the four. Slick and Ingra leap quickly behind him to support him. Quickly dispatching the four ragged group, they hear a maniacal laughter coming from the fifth man, as lightning begins to spark around him and his Thargrin. Slick calmly walks forward and stabs the man and Ingra invokes one of her devices and hits him directly with a bolt of fire. As the fire hits the man, the cackling stops and is covered in fire that forces them to shield their eyes. Looking back they see a pile of black ash where he once stood. Ingra takes a little from the ground and puts in the bottle. Thargrin proceeds to sit down, mixes the ash with the blood, and begins his ritual. Once satisfied, Thargrin heads off a few more alleys scaring a few more beggars before he decides his hunt is done for tonight.

 

On their way back the group meet up with Ambryn as she is heading back from Minion, still in bad shape. The group proceed to explain what happen, as Ambryn notices the blood on Thargrin's face is glowing a haunting black aura. Ingra explains the ashes and hands the bottle over to her. The ashes glow more vibrantely with the black aura, which causes Ambryn to slowly trail off and begin dancing around, mumbling about zombies, skeletons, liches, and battlefields littered with bodies. As they approach the ship, Kainlan notices Ambryn is in a good mood, and walks over to dance with her, only to realize what she is mumbling and looks to other in confusion, to which they shrug. Slyvia notices the group, when she sees Ambryn dancing she drops the bucket she was holding and rushes over, placing her hand on Ambryn's head and closing her eyes, chanting underneath her breath. Ambryn slowly stops dancing and mumbling, as she sits down, Slyvia next to her crumples to the ground, still has her hand on Ambryn and chanting. As Ambryn comes to, she notices Slyvia and begins to get worried, for Slyvia has no aura about her anymore. Confused she grabs Sylvia and quickly takes her to her room, mumbling how the others can't see the problem.

Sorrow, Distractions, and Bar Fights

Ambryn walks in to the hospital ward. Many know her by now, they know to bow, to wave, to smile, and mostly to not get in her way. She purposefully walks through the halls, eventually walks in to a large room. On the bed lay Minion, covered in bandages, tended to by a handful of nurses. Monitoring him, taking care of him, praying for him. Ambryn does her own 'ritual' and places her hand on his head. Willing him to get better. After a few moments, she looks at the nurses and says, 'Let me know if anything, ANYTHING changes.'

Thargrin walks into the cheapest bar he knows. Money has been hard to come by, as the ship is repaired. Thomas has given him money for his stay in the port, that money will be used to drink. If he is to drink, why not make it last longer at the cheapest place he knows. As he looks around, he notices a dwarf drinking in the corner. As he approaches he notices on the ground next to the dwarf, is a human passed out with a mug in his hand. Every few times the dwarf takes a sip from his mug, he kicks the human and laughs. Thargin sits down and asks 'What are you drinking?' The dwarf laughs and makes an offhand comment about elves and their weak stomach. As the barmaid walks up, Thargrin points at the dwarf, 'I'll have what he is having!' and puts the purse of cogs on the table. The barmaid eyes light up, as she has never seen someone pay that much before. She quickly walks back to get a mug, quickly walking away, as Thargrin and the dwarf begin to see how fast each can drink.

Kainlan decides to confront Jack about what happen. Slick decides he will go along, there might be some killing involved. As they approach the warehouse, the guards stand up to see who it is, once they notice the pair, one leans over to the door and knocks once. After a few moments, Jack comes out, looking tired and not having slept in many days. He beckons them to follow. Back in his room he sits down, looking at Kainlan he sighs. 'We have much to talk about.' The next few hours pass as Jack tells Kainlan about his brother. How he found him looking for a job after getting kicked off a ship. Offered him shelter for his services. Working his way up, taking care of business, selling, buying, trading. Jack tells how his brother had a gift with the word, making anyone open up even if they didn't want to. He also tells Kainlan about how his brother asked one day to join a sailing ship, for as much as he enjoyed the island and was good at it, he wanted to see the sky. Afterwards, Jack heard stories, stories that began to sound suspicious  Looking in to things, Jack realized that maybe letting his brother join the crew of Gladwing was a bad idea, especially since Gladwing it appears has recently fell in with another man, whose description was identical to the one of the person who confronted them on the docks. Jack lets Kainlan know that if there is anything he can do to help, he can come and ask, and he will endeavor to as best as possible.

Back at the ship, Ambryn is told the Shae is missing and so is the elf. Mumbling that a gods work is never done she heads out to find the two. After a few hours and checking the local establishments, as she nears one in a darker part of the city, a man comes flying out the window. Ambryn quickly runs over, and much to her surprise there stands Shae fighting with a dwarven girl, surrounded by many others, fighting, or holding back, the bartender trying to get some semblance of order restored to his bar. As Ambryn is grasping the situation, Shae notices her and focuses on her for a second, this allows the dwarf to get a clean hit, felling Shae to the ground. Ambryn jumps in with protective rage attacking anyone who got in her way towards the dwarf and protecting Shae. As the two fight it out and go back and forth, Ambryn finally lays a finishing hit knocking the dwarf out. She leans over Shae and gently picks her up to take her back to the ship. As she is walking out she places a pouch of cogs on the bar for the bartender, she looks at the bartender and nods to the dwarf, 'Let her know if she wants another round or a job she can find us at The Enlightened.' The bartender nods, wild eyed at what has happened this night at his establishment.

Kainlan and Slick notice Ambryn and Shae coming over to the ship, the quickly come over and help get Shae on board. Ambryn asks if they have seen the elf, to which both respond with a negative. Ambryn mumbles about how a gods work is never done and beings to head out followed by Slick and Kainlan. With the help of Kainlan, they find out quickly where Thargrin has gone and make their way there. As they enter, the scene in front of them causes them to stop for a second. Thargrin lay in the back of the bar, wet and smelling of ale, a few bruises on his face of what appears to be a mug, as a handful of them lay around him in different states of broken. Ambryn walks over and grabs him which allows Thargrin to awaken and grumble, he tries to fight off Ambryn while attempting to take a sip of his mug.

 As the group walks back in the streets, Ambryn gets irritated by the continuous fidgeting of Thargrin she eventually hits him hard across the head and knocks him out. Slick quickly walks over and kicks Thargrin as well, letting out frustration he has been feeling towards the elf since they first met. With Thargrin knocked out, the group makes quicker pace, when suddenly Slick stops as the alleyways have no sound at all. As they scan around, and arrow flies towards Ambryn barely missing her head and embedding in to the ground next to her. Slick and Kainlan pull out there weapons in time to tackle the ambush, as Ambryn slaps Thargrin awake yelling 'Ambush!' The fight goes by quickly, and Thargrin slowly regains his senses after the fight, complaining about the throbbing in his head being the worst he's had, and confused at the pain in his ribs. They decide to go back to the ship to see what their next move will be.

Thargrin

Thargrin was always a loyal elf. Even when younger he never questioned the order of things. He also enjoyed natures animals. As he grew older, he adopted a friendly deer wildling as his own. They became close and even had a 'friendship'. Shrea became his constant companion and solace for him. Eventually he joins the Oakthorns, the special forces of the elven army, unquestionable loyalty, will take care of any mission for the elven lands, no matter the cost. They maintain the order and give strength to the elves. One day after returning from a mission, he is called to a special meeting. Once he reaches an open clearing he notices a few wildlings, with a handful of Shepards around them. He gets a sick feeling in his stomach, he never cared for how the wildlings were treated, and generally turned a blind eye, as this was part of their society.

As he is called over, he notices one of the Shepard's hands is covered in blood. Looking down, the color drains from his face, and he feels warm sensation of anger growing inside of him. In front of him is Shrea, missing a few limbs, covered with unspeakable devices, barely alive, if that is what you would call it. Thargrin lashes out at the torturer slicing his neck open, he leaps at the other Shepards and takes them on in a bloody fight.

After dealing with the Shepards, he releases the wildlings that remain as they run off in fear. He gently walks over to Shrea's body and sits down next to her. There is a pulse but she isn't aware. He realizes the shaking from Shrea has stopped and looks down. He doesn't know when it happened, but his dagger had severed her spine, taking away her pain. Looking down covered in blood, sweat, and tears, he just sits there rocking back and forth. He hears a scream, it sounds oddly like his own.

Aftermath

Kainlan awakens with a familiar face looking down on him. It his brothers friend. 'You're awake finally, how are you feeling?' Kainlan was sore, but better, 'How long have I been here?' 'Just over a week.' He begins to gather his stuff, 'I should go check on my ship.' His brother's friend has a look of concern on his face, 'I am not sure what you are in to, but please be safe, I cannot bear to lose you as we have already lost your brother.' 'He isn't dead!' Kainlan replies, as he stands up. His brother couldn't be dead, he just knew it, especially after he found the information he currently has, maybe Jack knew something as he heads out the door towards the ship.

Thargin woke up and looked around only to see darkness all around. 'Where am I?' he looks down, his armor is different, his weapons are different. They all seem familiar  they all seem to be what he used to where when he was part of the Oakthorns. 'This isn't right.' He strikes up a light pushing the darkness further and begins to walk methodically looking for a way out. After a few hours he being to hear a voice whispering, 'It wasn't your fault what happen to Shrea.' 'Shrea will always be with you.' 'Shrea. Shrea. Shrea.' Thargin crumples to the ground holding his head, shouting 'Stop!' as he passes out.

Slick finds himself in a small room, simple bedding, no adornments or furniture of any kind. He gets up gently opens the door to look out. He sees a bustling warehouse, elves, wildlings, humans, even a few drakins and dwarf or two, all running around carrying boxes or clipboards. Everyone moving things around efficiently and with purpose. As he steps out, and elf walks towards him, 'You! Come carry this over to section B!' Slick stares at the elf in confusion, he glimpses the symbol of a tree in a ring on the elf's clipboard. He pulls out his medallion  and gently places it on the clipboard. The elf stops mumbling and stares at Slick. 'Follow me.' as he hands back the medallion. They briskly leave the warehouse they are in, and Slick can see they are in the merchant district. After walking thirty minutes or so, they approach the lower trading district, Slick begins to recognize the streets, this is where the elfs who were told could help him were. They approach the elfs home and are greeted by an older elf, 'What?!' the elf carrying the clipboard replies 'This one is here to see the brothers.' and he walks off. The old elf looks down at Slick measuring him for a moment and just grumbles and leads Slick in to the house. 'The brothers will be back shortly. Always leaving me in charge of mundane things...' as he trails off mumbling and walks in to the next room. Slick waits till the elf is out of sight and walks out of the house, heading towards the ship.

Ambryn wakes up in a quiet room, familiar to her but yet not. She sits up and looks around noticing her surrounding. A small room, with candles lighting it up. The room was adorned with beautiful but simple tapestries and basic but sturdy furniture. Looking down she realized she is not wearing her armor but rather simple yet colorful robes. She begins to get agitated and distrustful, 'Who took my stuff?!' she mumbles to no one in particular for someone has disrespect this god. As she stands up and approaches the door, she hears song, walking out she is notices a large hallway, people walking gracefully, dancing and singing. The tapestries on the walls all seem to tell stories, full of detail and color that makes them seem real. As she walks to find answers, Ambryn slowly starts to sway with the singing and music, the words are unfamiliar to her, but the beat of the music is familiar. She sits down, lost in her world, soaring above the skies, talking, laughing, arguing with someone.

Thargin awakes suddenly, Slyvia is kneeling across the room filling a bowl with water. As she turns around, she gasps when she notice's Thargin is awake and hurriedly walks over to him, 'Are you ok? You kept mumbling about a Shrea.' as she wipes the his head down. Thargin swats her hand away and sits up, he's on the ship in his quarter he sees. Looking down he is in his armor and his axes lay against the wall where they should be. 'Leave me alone!' as he sits down next to his weapons and begins to sharpen them. She looks relieved, gets up to gather her things and walks out, leaving Thargin alone to brood.

As Slick approaches the ship, he notices Kainlan coming from the other direction and quickly catches up with him, each asking the other what happen, neither having an answer. As they board the ship, the are greated by the captain, who now has one of hands in a sling. A note of relief in his voice as he explains the bustling on the ship, for now there are dozens of saliors and workers on the ship and repairing the damage to the side of the ship. 'Ambryn is at the temple of festival, Thomas has taken care of everything, and I've maintained the ship in port as best as I could.' Slick gets a little riled up the Captain taking charge and reminds him kurtly that this is their ship, and he works for them. Kainlan decides to go grab Ambryn before they seek out Thomas. Slick stays behind to watch the Captain and make sure he doesn't get out of line again.

At the temple of festival Kainlan is greeted by a lovely young lady wearing glasses. 'How may I help you sir?' He introudces himself and she tells him her name is Loriel. He explains he is looking for a drakin, at which point the lady face lights up, and she beckons him to follow. Kainlan attempts to flirt with the girl, and she politely responds to his conversation. As she leads him, they are continuously pulled in to quick dances and twirls, and polite greetings. Kainlan notices Ambryn sitting down swaying back and forth and making a sound he would only call as purring. As he places his hands on her, Ambryn opens her eyes, and the look of peace and joy on her face goes away to be replaced by annoyance and when she notices the little lady, distrust. The lady looks at Kainlan, I hope everything is good now and turns to walk away. Kainlan quickly says 'I hope we can meet and dance again!' she looks back and politely nods and continues on.

Back on the ship, Thomas has gathered everyone and explains what has happened, the large explosion, the bright light, the damage to the ship, the damage to them. How Slyvia took charge and called or directed each to be taken care of. Ambryn realizes Sylvia did not look like she has rested in days, and makes a note to get her to rest. She also finds out minion is in the care of the best healers and has not shown any progress other than being stablized. The group decides to go talk with Jack to see what exactly happened.

As the adventurers head off the ship, Ambryn notices Slyvia, and the glow she had around her is very faint and weak, almost non exsistent. She walks over and lays her hand gently on her shoulders, Slyvia looks up and a smile comes across her face, followed by a frown. 'You should find Shae, she's has been going off and getting in trouble ever since the incident.' Ambryn tells her not to worry, and she should rest and take care of herself too. Slyvia promises to do so, once she finishes taking care of the crew. Kainlan and Slick head to Jack to gather answers, Ambryn decides to check on Minion and look for Shae, and Thargin holding a pouch of cogs Thomas has given him decides to look for a bar.